We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Senior Cody McCabe
Winter sports are always exciting along the Hi-Line, and the 2025–26 winter will be no different as Harlem, Turner, and Hays-Lodge Pole all take to gyms around the area for a brand-new season of winter athletics.
The Harlem boys and girls basketball teams will begin their new season this weekend at the Lockwood Tip-Off Tournament. The Harlem boys are coming off a magical season a year ago in which they finished in a tie for fifth place at the Class B State Tournament in Missoula. The Wildcats, under head coach Ben Carrywater, return the bulk of the team that made that run last year. Seniors Cody McCabe, Matt Billmayer, Xavier Young, Miles Fetter, Hayden Main, and Donovan Archambault are among a loaded group of players who will certainly be among the favorites in District 2B.
"This upcoming season has the potential to be one to remember. The team returns a strong core from last year's state-tournament squad, and that experience shows," Carrywater said. "This year's group is senior-heavy, and their leadership and familiarity with my system give the team a sense of confidence and stability. With so many veterans back, expectations are high, and the coaching staff believes this group has the talent and maturity to make another deep postseason run."
The Harlem girls also look to improve in the 1B this season, a league that has been dominated by Malta. The Harlem girls, who are coached by veteran Martin Lawrence, will be strong this season, but again, the Northern B is tough, and so is their district. The Wildcats also open their season at Lockwood this weekend.
In wrestling, the Wildcats are coached by Jonny Baker and opened their season at last weekend's Badger Invitational in Cascade. The Wildcats will be led by Dustin Adams at 285, Isaac Cut The Rope at 126, Jasper LaMere at 285, Kyle Hudson at 165, Landen King at 118, Landon Longknife at 157, Lucas Blackcrow at 144, Ty Kittson at 165, and Tyrel Turnsplenty at 103. The Harlem girls are led by Cyla Adams at 115, Meadow Moats at 120, All-State returnee Emma Klinagman at 130, and Kehtsin Stiffarm at 170.
Back on the basketball court, Turner and HLP will look to make some noise in the 9C and beyond this season. The Turner girls are hoping to make a big splash in the 9C, and head coach Darci Ammen says her team is excited for the year after beating Mondak and Terry in two games to open the season last weekend. The Tornadoes return standouts such as Natalie Richman, Abby Grabofsky, Ali Doyle, Rosie Day, Bridet Reed, Holly Grabofsky, Isabella Van Voast, Olivia Perez, Harley Beck, Piper Fox, Grace Zellmer, and Hannah Van Voast.
"We are excited to be back in the gym with a great group of girls! We opened our first weekend of play with two wins over the Mon-Dak Thunder and the Terry Terriers. We are looking forward to conference play and being able to play both varsity and sub-varsity games this year," Ammen said.
The Turner boys are also hoping to build on a fourth-place finish last season in the 9C. However, Turner graduated five seniors and will be young this season, led by juniors Brady Zellmer, Ty Beck, and Avery Fox.
The HLP boys are also looking to make a move up after a season that saw plenty of struggles a year ago, but they return all but one player from last year's squad. Seniors Haiden Grant, Ethan Russell, and Kenneth Parisian will look to lead a much more experienced HLP team this season.
The Hays-Lodge Pole girls also struggled at times last season, but they return plenty of firepower. Kelsey Mount and Kylee Ball are just two of many key returners for the HLP girls, who are coached by veteran Charlie Ereaux.
